Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday restored 2G mobile internet services with immediate effect across the Kashmir Valley, except in Pulwama and Shopian districts. The order has come a day after the Supreme Court refused to order the restoration of 4G mobile data service in the Valley on the grounds of “national security”.
In a letter dated May 11, the J&K administration stated, “Mobile data services shall be restored forthwith in the Kashmir valley, except in Pulwama and Shopian districts. The internet speed shall, however, remain restricted to 2G only across the Union Territory. It shall be effective from May 12.”
The internet services were suspended in Jammu and Kashmir in August last year after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.
The local administration has restored 2G data services on postpaid mobile connections and broadband, 4G mobile internet still continues to remain suspended in the Valley.
Supreme Court orders formation of high-power panel to look into grievances
Yesterday, the Supreme Court refused to order the restoration of 4G internet services in the Union Territory as demanded by an NGO Foundation in Kashmir. The petitioners had claimed that the 2G internet services are not adequate enough to conduct education and other services amid coronavirus lockdown.
A three-judge bench headed by Justice NV Ramana said, “This court has to ensure national security and human rights are balanced”, the bench noted. “We do recognise that the Union Territory has plunged into crisis but we have to balance various factors.”
The top court then directed immediate setting up of a high-powered committee to look into the grievances filed by various petitioner for the restoration of 4G internet in the Kashmir Valley.
source: timesnownews
